A PRIVATE, NON-PROFIT organization called VICOAP (Vehicle Inspection Center Association of the Philippines) reported on Tuesday that 47.3 percent of public utility vehicles (PUVs) failed in their brakes testing.
A nationwide inspection held from January to September 2025 tested 1.71 million commuter units. Of this number, 737,215 operated with substandard brake systems or failed outright to meet the benchmark braking performance standards.
The number accounts for nearly half of units tested.
FATAL FAULT
The organization also attributed several commuter fatalities to faulty brake systems in these PUVs.
“Behind every crash is a preventable failure, and many of them start with the brakes… Our goal is to offer solutions backed by data,” VICOAP spokesperson Lester Cavestany said.
“Every unsafe vehicle on the road is a risk we can prevent… Brake testing isn’t bureaucracy — it’s a life-saving measure. Every data point we collect represents a family that gets home safely,” he added.
VICOAP urged the government and transport authorities, along with industry stakeholders, to enforce stricter brake-testing protocols and improve maintenance standards across the board.
NETIZEN MOB
The report caused jitters to many commuters who voiced their reactions, Interaksyon of the Star Group said.
“Totoo ‘yan! Ang daming nabibiktima niyan dahil hindi kumagat ang [brake],” posted a Facebook user.
“Ilan diyan hindi gumagana headlight? Or [signal] indicator? Or [brake light]?” another commented.
“Grabe, kaya dami silang aksidente,” another one wrote.
“PERO NAKAKALUSOT SA REHISTRO,” voiced another Pinoy with thumbs down emojis, referring to the PUVs during vehicle registration.
“Ang strict sa private cars tapos nganga sa PUVs na mas marami pang buhay na bitbit,” a different netizen averred.
“Minsan nga sobrang hina ng preno e, walang tail light, walang mga signal light, wala din headlight,” another commented.
PUBLIC TRANSPO
PUV, which stands for Public Utility Vehicles, are basically the motor vehicles primarily on the road to provide public transportation – at a cost referred to as fare.
Under PUVs are jeepneys, buses, vans, taxis, tricycles and motorcycle taxis.
To ensure the safety of both drivers and passengers, PUVs are required to be equipped with an efficient braking system.
Experts emphasize that a properly functioning braking system is crucial for preventing accidents and safely stopping the vehicle in emergency situations.
For optimal brake performance, PUVs (or any other motorized vehicle) are required to undergo regular preventive maintenance to roadworthiness.
This year, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) rolled out its Road Safety Action Plan, with one of its main pillars focused on verifying and ensuring the roadworthiness of all vehicles.
VICOAP aims to include mandatory brake testing for all PUVs, in line with that specific pillar. Overall, the action plan aims to reduce traffic-related deaths by 35% by 2028—a goal which VICOAP shares, as the group attributes several commuter fatalities to faulty brake systems.
DATA-DRIVEN SOLUTIONS
Harrowing as it is, Cavestany cited the urgency of data-driven solutions. He and the organization believe they can support the DOTr and the Land Transportation Office in refining policy and upholding road safety, reported motoring online portal Top Gear.
“Behind every crash is a preventable failure, and many of them start with the brakes… Our goal is to offer solutions backed by data,” said Cavestany.
“Every unsafe vehicle on the road is a risk we can prevent… Brake testing isn’t bureaucracy—it’s a life-saving measure. Every data point we collect represents a family that gets home safely.”